Durban’s King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) continues to soar, proudly earning the title of Best Regional Airport in Africa at the prestigious 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards. Hosted on Wednesday, 9 April, during the Passenger Terminal EXPO in Madrid, Spain, the awards celebrate excellence in global air travel based entirely on passenger feedback.
The recognition affirms KSIA’s position as KwaZulu-Natal’s premier gateway, delivering world-class service and an outstanding travel experience rooted in efficiency, cleanliness, and a warm Durban welcome.
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), which manages KSIA, praised the honour as a sign of Durban’s growing stature on the global aviation map. “King Shaka International continues to raise the bar for regional airports not just in South Africa, but across the continent. This is a proud moment for KwaZulu-Natal,” said ACSA CEO, Mpumi Mpofu.
The Skytrax Awards are determined through the world’s largest airport customer satisfaction survey, covering 575 airports in over 100 countries. Travellers evaluated services ranging from check-in and shopping to security and overall comfort between August 2024 and February 2025.
In addition to KSIA’s achievement, Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) earned accolades for Best Airport in Africa, Best Staff Service in Africa, and Cleanest Airport in Africa. The InterContinental Hotel at O.R. Tambo International Airport was also named Best Airport Hotel in Africa, reflecting ACSA’s broader commitment to excellence across all touchpoints.
“These awards reflect the passion and commitment of our airport teams and the trust our passengers place in us. King Shaka’s recognition is especially meaningful for the Durban community and the province at large,” said Mpofu. “It motivates us to keep improving, innovating, and showcasing the best of Durban to the world.”
As King Shaka International Airport continues to grow as a hub for business and leisure travel, this international recognition marks yet another milestone in Durban’s journey toward becoming a key player in global aviation.
